Freezer Cooking - Crockpot BBQ Chicken

As we transition from summer into fall it is time to break out the slow cookers! There is nothing better than starting dinner in the morning and to smell it cooking all day long with minimal effort! It also allows us to get out and enjoy the beautiful changing leaves and crisp air. Here is a recipe that you can pre-assemble and freeze until the morning you want to cook it - 8 hours later and all you have to prepare is rice and it is ready to serve!

Dinner

Crockpot BBQ Chicken - Yields 2 Bagged Meals @ $7.70/bag
(Each bag can feed a family of 4 when served over rice)
Original Source
Ingredients:
4 Sweet Potatoes
1 Medium Red Onion
2 Green Bell Peppers
1 Red Bell Pepper
1 Can Pineapple Slices
4 Chicken Breasts
2 Cans of Tomato Paste (5.5oz)
2tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
4tbsp Brown Sugar
4 Cloves Garlic

Directions:
1. Cut all veggies into large chunks, they will soften in the crockpot and keeping them large will avoid them turning to mush. Be sure to peel your sweet potatoes first.

2. Split the veggies into two large ziploc freezer bags.

3. Into each bag, place one jar of Tomato Pasta, 1tbsp Worcestershire Sauce, 2tbsp Brown Sugar, half of the can of Pineapple (with juice) and 2 cloves of Garlic. 

4. Place two chicken breasts in each bag, I buy my chicken frozen so thawing it to cut into pieces then re-freezing without cooking is a huge NO-NO. I placed my chicken breasts in the bags frozen and immediately re-froze. If you purchased fresh chicken you can cut into cubes before placing in bags to avoid shredding it after the dish has been cooked.

5. Label and place in freezer.

To Cook: Remove from ziploc bag and place right into crockpot (while frozen), add 3/4c liquid - either chicken broth or water and cook on low for 8hrs.

The liquids froze right to the bag so I had to cut it out.

It cooked beautifully but the veggies did get quite soft so be sure to keep your chunks big or it will just all mush together. I found the seasonings a little bland, so I ended up adding in 1tbsp of Chinese Five Spice, I have no idea what spices are in it but it's delicious and packs a little kick. Would also be good with some hot sauce. Here is a picture of the finished dish over rice.